Mlbtraderumors are also mentioning Angels interest on Hamilton per Buster Olney.

Another cpl ideas:Tribe could try to land one of Garrett Jones, Starling Marte, Travis Snider, Jose Tabata from the Pirates. The Tribe could send them a bullpen arm like Bryan Shaw and a SS prospect like Tony Wolters. Just throwing this out there. I know the Pirates and Tribe talked Choo so there could be some common ground.

homerawayfromhome wrote:Mlbtraderumors are also mentioning Angels interest on Hamilton per Buster Olney.

Another cpl ideas:Tribe could try to land one of Garrett Jones, Starling Marte, Travis Snider, Jose Tabata from the Pirates. The Tribe could send them a bullpen arm like Bryan Shaw and a SS prospect like Tony Wolters. Just throwing this out there. I know the Pirates and Tribe talked Choo so there could be some common ground.

I think Albers is more likely deal than Shaw. Shaw just has so much team control left, seems like he could be here for after Joe Smith's eventual departure. Shaw, Allen, Hagadone, Pestano plus who knows, got Haley, Lee ect.

Who knows, I like Garret Jones though. Don't see them dealing Marte, but I bet Tabata could be had, I doubt he becomes much of an impact.

timdav wrote:GoTribe028....I think you're right. Maybe finally the Indians will get some FA luck and be able to sign Swisher for RF....and hopefully he'll be a productive player for Cleveland. Fingers crossed.

Possible Texas looks at Swisher or Michael Bourne, or tries again for Justin Upton.

Marte was reportedly on the table for Choo last yr. I'd prefer Garrett Jones, or Travis Snider but Jose Tabata would probably be had for Albers - just speculation though but hes been a disappointment so far...and I was kind of working with the assumption that Pittsburgh might trade Joel Hanrahan. He has been linked to the Dodgers, with the Pirates reportedly interested in Chris Capuano. Shaw has the potential to become a Closer IMO. Shaw and Wolters for Jones seems like a fair deal IMO. OR Shaw for Travis Snider. All speculation on my part.

The Hannahan deal is 2 years 4 million. Good for Jack. I remember when Masterson rallied the guys to pull together 35 grand so Jack could rent a private jet to catch the birth of his child, which he did 15 minutes prior to his birth. It is nice to see good things happen to good people.

I think Swisher is obviously being instructed by his agent to hold out until Hamilton signs. Hamilton going to the Angels seems like it would be bad news for us. Adding Texas to the mix of potential suitors for Swisher really hurts our chances. Atlanta, Philly, and Seattle still seem more interested in trading for a COF, but I don't want to compete with Texas. I don't think they are gonna offer more than us, but they are a winning ball club.

Also, Interesting quote from Scott Hairston

"Things are starting to pick up now that the market is settling in," said Hairston. "Still unsure where I'll sign, though. There are a lot of trades happening around the league, so it's possible that interest may rise in the next few days."

I would have to think he's referencing the trades believing the Indians will now be a suitor for his services. As others have stated, I think I would prefer him over Cody Ross. His splits are scary.

Finally, wouldn't mind bringing back the Michael Morse trade discussions. They want to trade him (if they resign Laroche), but what would they want in return? There is not a lot of holes in that lineup. I wonder if we could try to swing another 3 way trade with the Nats and one of the teams interested in ACab (A's, M's, Cards, RedSox) to try to land a young pitcher and Morse. He only has one year left on his deal, but maybe he would be open to an extension. I like him as a fallback if we cant get Swisher.

homerawayfromhome wrote:Solid signing and short term by the Red Sox. Interesting that they've went short term bigger deals on all their signings. Napoli 3yrs / $39 M, Victorino 3yrs / $38 M and Dempster 2yrs / $26.5 M.

Dempster is a guy I've always liked, he's a solid pitcher and to some extent has gotten better with age.

Getting good players, not superstar players that demand the spotlight and cause Bobby Valentine like distractions. Not saying Crawford or Gonzalez did that but it's obviously better business for a ball club to sign shorter term deals for big money rather than goofy 7-10 year deals.

It's kind of a small mkt approach to FA. Aggressive and responsible signings, they should be able to keep the team flexible for future moves. Sounds a lot like what the Indians are trying to do.

Do the Indians now move on to Cody Ross or do they try to compete for Swisher? Personally, I think they should make an aggressive offer (4yrs / $62 M) and try to sign Cody Ross (2yrs / $18 -$19 M) too. IF they land both than so be it, I'd then try to deal ACab for young controllable SP to clear a little money and fill out the rotation.

homerawayfromhome wrote:It's kind of a small mkt approach to FA. Aggressive and responsible signings, they should be able to keep the team flexible for future moves. Sounds a lot like what the Indians are trying to do.

Do the Indians now move on to Cody Ross or do they try to compete for Swisher? Personally, I think they should make an aggressive offer (4yrs / $62 M) and try to sign Cody Ross (2yrs / $18 -$19 M) too. IF they land both than so be it, I'd then try to deal ACab for young controllable SP to clear a little money and fill out the rotation.

LaRoche could be an option in TX...

I'm greedy, get Ross and Hairston. Ryan Sweeney isn't much of a bat, but had some Brantley like seasons a couple years back. Just keep an open mind, could be something else coming we haven't even thought of.

homerawayfromhome wrote:I actually suggested that (Ross & Hairston) the other day. They'd be able to add 2 RH bats and potentially get the same amount of production or more than Swisher at a lower cost.

How does that work? Swisher is a .360-.370 OBP, roughly +3 WAR player.

Hairston and Ross are out-makers; Hairston is a .300 OBP, +1 WAR player. Cody Ross is a .320-.325 OBP, +1 WAR player.

Unfortunately, you can't stack Hairston and Ross together and have them equal Swisher's production b/c there are only so many AB's to go around. There are opportunity costs.

homerawayfromhome wrote:I actually suggested that (Ross & Hairston) the other day. They'd be able to add 2 RH bats and potentially get the same amount of production or more than Swisher at a lower cost.

How does that work? Swisher is a .360-.370 OBP, roughly +3 WAR player.

Hairston and Ross are out-makers; Hairston is a .300 OBP, +1 WAR player. Cody Ross is a .320-.325 OBP, +1 WAR player.

Unfortunately, you can't stack Hairston and Ross together and have them equal Swisher's production b/c there are only so many AB's to go around. There are opportunity costs.

With an OF spot and the DH open I don't think AB's are hard to come by yet. But I agree with what you're saying, neither would be as valuable as Swisher, maybe just more contract friendly for Cleveland.

You're right. Theoretically, placing both guys in the lineup DH, LF, RF both would combine to produce the same / very similar results. Nonetheless, you add another player lineup 2 instead of 1 trying to get the results. Are you sure the Tribe would fill the void otherwise? Lets say the Tribe did add Swisher at $15 / 16 M per yr would he Tribe add another bat to the lineup? Not from outside the org. IMO and a platoon of Canzler / McGuiness / Carrera / Aviles or whomever filling the at bats of the DH position won't likely produce what Hairston or Ross would. My proposition is adding two competent bats to the lineup IF they miss out on Swisher. It would ideally make the lineup deeper and get better at bats all around. Swisher himself would do that and cause the lineup to be deeper but at only one position. I want the Tribe to land Swisher but if they don't and I don't think will (I'd guess its probably 25% chance they land him) I'd like to see them "replace" the production by landing both Ross and Hairston. Swisher would be a significant add to the lineup without a doubt, but at the same time Hairston and Ross would extend the lineup.

With the acquisition of Hamilton, the Angels will have a couple of spots that could be open for improvement and or have excesses they could possibly look to move:

DH: Kendrys Morales is looked at some days like the 328/1000+OPS monster when he broken in before he broke down. Other days, he's mediocre / lazy. His defense is better on some days than most. A change of scenery could be what he needs.

OF: Three guys for two spot: Peter Bourjos, Kole Calhoun and Vernon Wells. Of course the Angels would love someone as stupid as they were to take Vernon Wells, but, that's not happening, so he'll stay & the Angels will be stuck with him. Calhoun would be a very good prospect/OF'er to acquire

3B: Alberto Callaspo isn't what you'd call a prototypical 3B. The Halos have two kids that can play. Austine Romine, is a stud. Unfortunately, the stud is more of a utility guy / SS / pinch runner than a 3B.. The other, an all bat hide his glove kind of player. He, for all intents and purposes, is an unknown.

RP: Definitely a must for the Angels...

With this, If the Angels want to talk about a trade, an RP could do the trick for Calhoun, as an example.. If the Indians and Angels want to visit the Phillies Plan of moving Asdrubal to 3B, then guys like Bourjos, Calhoun, Morales could be part of the discussion, but, only if, Caleb Cowart and RJ Alvarez are included.

homerawayfromhome wrote:Mlbtraderumors are also mentioning Angels interest on Hamilton per Buster Olney.

Another cpl ideas:Tribe could try to land one of Garrett Jones, Starling Marte, Travis Snider, Jose Tabata from the Pirates. The Tribe could send them a bullpen arm like Bryan Shaw and a SS prospect like Tony Wolters. Just throwing this out there. I know the Pirates and Tribe talked Choo so there could be some common ground.

The Pirates asked the Mariners about Taijuan Walker for Garrett Jones....while I think that is extreme I don't think a bullpen arm and Wolters would get him, though I'd do that even with Jones's issues against lefties. If they wanted Cabrera (possible) I'd be interested in Jones a piece of that deal. Would want one of their top young pitching specs though included though.

With the Rangers missing out on Sanchez, Greinke, Hamilton, Shields and probably Upton (AZ has their SS and Upton probably won't move)....i think guys like Jackson and Swisher are out of play for the Tribe. Maybe the Rangers would go after a guy like Bourn instead as they can move Kinsler to 1B (so Swisher being able to play there may not matter to them).

would rather see Jackson sign with the Rangers than the Tigers at least.

I don't see why they wouldn't. Even before signing Hamilton felt they should. He's a good defender with speed but his value seems way less to me if he's not playing CF and Trout would appear to have that spot nailed down for the foreseeable future. Realize the options before were between Wells and Bourjos for LF so can understand wanting to start Bourjos, but a team in need of a CFer (Rays?) could offer something nice.

With the Rangers missing out on Sanchez, Greinke, Hamilton, Shields and probably Upton (AZ has their SS and Upton probably won't move)....i think guys like Jackson and Swisher are out of play for the Tribe. Maybe the Rangers would go after a guy like Bourn instead as they can move Kinsler to 1B (so Swisher being able to play there may not matter to them).

would rather see Jackson sign with the Rangers than the Tigers at least.

Yep.. pitching for the Tigers, EdLose Jackson (only when he faces us).. not good news for the Indians.. The trade market may have to be THEE only way for the Indians to acquire the one additional SP they want. Maybe Kevin Towers has a need for another Utility Infielder who'll be the next Mickey Mantle?...

Unless...

The Indians new field management team and specifically Mickey Callaway can fix what's wrong with Masterson and Ubaldo... ERA's over 5, pitching behind in the count, walks and homers going up.. THIS from a pair of SP's that no longer than a season and a half ago were being considered for All Star starter & inclusion along with being future staff ace performers.

If the Indians can get these two guys back to working off well controlled FB's, one more trade for a solid SP, could become vitally important to the success or failures of the coming season...

Someone (using the name: withpower) on Mlbtraderumors posted these stats, so I'm not sure about accuracy. They seem reasonable and both guys bat RH, I'd love to see the Tribe land them - or at least Id like to see the Tribe land Dariel Alvarez the RH hitting OF.

FWIW, the Tribe are rumored to have placed a very aggressive bid on Ryu - the young LHSP recently poached away from his S. Korean team by the Dodgers for a mere $60+ M dollar investment.

After Hamilton signed with the Angels, most of the star power moving to the Left Coast (except for detroit, damn them), expect to see tons of articles from the East Coast scribes marked by tendentious claims that the game is being endangered. We will be told that the "next generation" of fans will lose out on seeing the real stars because the West Coast games start so late. Of course, the games that these teams play in the East will be featured (hyped) & shown all over televison but that will be ignored.

Someone (using the name: withpower) on Mlbtraderumors posted these stats, so I'm not sure about accuracy. They seem reasonable and both guys bat RH, I'd love to see the Tribe land them - or at least Id like to see the Tribe land Dariel Alvarez the RH hitting OF.

FWIW, the Tribe are rumored to have placed a very aggressive bid on Ryu - the young LHSP recently poached away from his S. Korean team by the Dodgers for a mere $60+ M dollar investment.

GoTribe028 wrote:Buster Olney now saying "rival execs" now view the best fit for Texas is Swisher, noting he can play both 1B and OF

Not shocking to say the least.

If Texas, who almost screwed up our dealings for Bauer with their Upton lust, wants Swisher now, I'd be willing to be "used" by Swisher to drive the price waaay up. I'm kinda pissed at the Rangers right now.

Taking a break at work here, trying to remember everything from last night. Last thing, if Dempster signed for 2 yrs/$26.5 million would Jackson sign for 3 yrs/$39 million? Is he worth it or would we be better off trying to trade for a SP or 2? I'm kinda hoping we keep Asdrubal now unless we get bowled over.